Neighbour Problems

Being a Good Neighbour

As a tenant of North Devon Homes you are expected to show consideration to the people living around you and you must not cause annoyance or nuisance to your neighbours.

The golden rule is treat others as you would expect them to treat you.

If you have a television or music system, be considerate and keep the volume down
If you have a pet, just remember that not everyone likes animals and you must keep your pets under control

Disputes

If a dispute does occur, try and discuss it rationally with the neighbour and see both sides of the argument. Try to stop a minor dispute growing into a major one.

If you have a problem with noisy neighbours you should first try talking to them about your complaint. Remember the golden rule of treating others as you would expect them to treat you - so turn down televisions and hi-fis at night and do not let your pets cause a noise nuisance to your neighbours.

If the problem still occurs you can contact your Area Housing Officer who will try and help to resolve the matter. They cannot deal with a clash of personalities but they may be able to take action if a clear breach of Tenancy Conditions occurs. With noise, we would liaise with North Devon District Council to consider taking action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Remember North Devon Homes cannot solve every problem.

Mediation

The Company recommends and encourages tenants to seek mediation rather than legal action to resolve disputes. If appropriate, we are happy to organise this independent service.

Court Action by North Devon Homes

If another tenant, a member of a tenant’s family or anyone else living or visiting a neighbouring property owned by NDH causes noise, nuisance, or disturbance to you or your neighbours, or harasses you because of your race, religion, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation then we can, in certain circumstances, seek an order from the court to evict that tenant.

It is always helpful for you and your neighbours to keep a detailed written record giving details and times of the relevant incidents to enable the Company to take legal action.

Please remember staff are always available for advice and to talk to about such matters.

NDH will take legal action against tenants who are guilty of continual nuisance or anti-social behaviour and this could either lead to an injunction or possession proceedings. This is an extreme remedy and will only be taken in exceptional cases and where there is sound supporting evidence.